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Chapter-5 \

A STUDY OF ALIGARH LOCK INDUSTRY

Aligarh - A Brief Profile :

Some townships and cities earn a place of pride for their products -

Aligarh is one such place on the industrial map of India known for its

traditional product i.e., lock. Lock industry is a dominant industry of Aligarh. It

provides employment not only to a large number of workers and artisans, but

also brings a good amount of foreign exchange to the Indian economy.

However, the practice of employing child labour in the lock-units here has

become a cause of concern.

The lock industry of Aligarh is over a hundred years old and is

considered to be the traditional occupation of the people of Aligarh district in

Uttar Pradesh. Historically, the city of Aligarh was commonly known as

'KhoK. The Britishers, however, changed it into 'Aligarh' after IS**" century.

The Aligarh district is situated at 27'54'N (latitude) and VS'SO'S (longitude)

on the worid map. It is at a distance of 132 kms south-east of Delhi on Delhi

Calcutta railway and grand trunk road. The total area of Aligarh is 33.98 sq.

kms and its total population is about 4,80,520 persons according to 1991

Census report. Out of which, 2,57,370 is the male population and 2,23,130 is

female population. The total literacy level in the Aligarh is 59.61 per cent. (See

Table 4.1).

Table 4.1

Year

1991

Total population

4,80,520

Males

2,57,370

Females

2.23,130

Total literacy rate

50.61%

Source: 1991 census, Govt, of India.

The railway line divides Aligarh into two clear parts north and south. In

the northern part of the city is the civil lines and in the southern portion lies

147

Chapter-5 ^ ^ ^ . ^ . ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ i ^ — i ^ i g s s a s ^ - ^ ^ ^ — ^ M ^ - ^ — ^ ^ ^ ^ — ^ — i i ^ ^ g s s ^ a g g g

the old city of Aligarh which is the focal point in this study as it accommodates

most of the small and medium-scale lock-making household industries. The

two portions of Aligarh display a striking contrast in appearance, occupational

distribution, and social and living conditions, which has resulted in the

formation of two distinct cultures and patterns of settlement in these areas.

The civil lines are is much better developed in terms of infrastructural inputs. It

is here that the university campus, main government offices, residences of ex-

zamindari elite, and wealthier businessmen are located. The old city on the

other hand, is congested, over-populated, with bad road conditions, pooi

water and electric supply improper sanitation facility. The people who reside

in this area are mostly poor, petty businessman, artisans and daily wage

labourers. There are certain pockets in the old city, which are dominated by

Muslims while other localities are dominated by Hindus. Here most of the

Muslim majority residential localities, which house both business and homes,

are located in the centre and are surrounded by Hindu localities. This area is

communally sensitive because of its peculiarity and complexity where the

residential area is populated by Muslims but the trading and commercial

activities are in the hands of Hindus. This situation has had negative

implications on Hindu-Muslim relations. Infact, soon after two major riots in

1990 and 1992, the units/karkhanas owned by Muslim have been shifted from

the old city of Aligarh particulariy Upper Kote and Tantanpara to Shahjamal,

Civil lines and Lai Diggi. Likewise the units/karkhanas owned by Hindus have

been shifted to ITI Road, Ramghat Road and other many Hindu dominated

areas, after the communal riots. The other reason cited for the shift was - to

reduce the cost of transportation of the finished goods. Upper Kote is a slope

area compared to the presently shifted areas. The easy availability of labourers

in the present areas had also resulted in the shift.

148

Chapter-5 = = = ^ s ^ — B i ^ = ^ = ^ = s ^ = ^ ^ ^ s ^ i ^ ^ ^ ^ 5 =

Origin :

Originally lock-making was the occupation of rural artisans who worked

as blacksmiths. These rural artisans brought raw materials from the Aligarh

town; manufactured locks in their villages: and then sold most of their produce

to the town traders. During this period, lock-making was totally a family

based activity of the artisan. In this early phase iron was heated in big

furnaces and moulded with the help of traditional tools. A sharp edged file

was used to smoothen rough edges as well as for scrapping and cutting. Ir.

order to shine the locks, these were rubbed against on leather belt. However,

things became to change with time. The phenomenal growth of lock industT;,'

has its roots in the 19''̂ century when a Government Postal Workshop was

established in Aligarh in 1860 A.D. This workshop was meant to supply the

postal department all over the country numerous articles like scales, locks,

letter boxes, badges, belts, seals, knives, scissors, lamps, lanterns, mail carts,

etc. This workshop engaged artisans to manufacture locks and also imparted

training to these artisans for the use of modem tools and appliances. Some

workers after leaming the tricks of the trade left the workshop and took to

lock-making. They established their own firms and successfully became

pioneer artisan entrepreneurs in lock industry. They also carried out

improvements in designs and techniques. In 1887, M/s Hira Lai Jha started

manufacturing locks on a small scale in the form of cottage industry. Later,

the trade was picked by M/s Nabi Baksh and M/s Karim Illahi. These finris

offered attractive wages to the workers from the workshop of the postal

department to take up work in their enterprises and also started training

people in the art of lock-smithy. As a result, at the tum of the nineteenth

century about 2000 skilled artisans were engaged in this industry. Soon lock

making became economically viable and competitive. The growing demand

for the products of lock-industry sustained its growth and horizontal 149

Chapier-5 fsssssssssmsss^sss^^sssi^^s^^s^s^^^si^s^^s^^^^^^^ssa^^^^s^s^m^^^^

expansion. This blazed a trial of success for other entrepreneurs to join the

industry. The expanding trade brought the middle men or the trading firms

which specialized in marketing the local produce, produced from small and big

units, to distant markets under their own brand name. Soon these trading

firms got such a hold on marketing that almost all the locks were being sold

under a few banners. The trend still continues with the marketing companies

floating an order io different small-scale units for supply of certain locks and

then selling these under their own trade mark.

Certain events like the expansion of the Post and Telegraph

Department and the V^orld \NQr I (1914-17) created a favourable climate for

the growth of lock-industry. Since investors received high rate of return on

their investment in this industry during this period, it attracted additional

capital. As a result the industry increased manifold. The profit was also

ploughed back into enterprises to finance innovation and modernization. The

specialized technique like galvanizing the iron sheet to make the locks

attractive was introduced in 1923. However, the boom period did not last

long as the lock industry was hit hard by the Depression of 1930's.

Plummeting prices during this period brought disaster to lock industry. The

industry was saddled with large inventories, excessive wage bills and mounting

debts. Many firms got wounded up as a result of unbearable financial losses.

There ensued stiff competition at the end of depression. The enlightened

entrepreneurs in the lock industry visualized diversification as a panacea to

their ills. Government also supported the plan of diversification. It was

necessary that the workers need to be trained in techniques of making new

types of locks. For this purpose the government established the Metal

Workshop School in Aligarh in 1935 and gave training to the workers here.

The government also provided foreign exchange for the modernization of

equipment. Machines were imported from Germany to make punch die locks. 150

Chapter-5 ^ ^ ^ ^ = s = ^ = ^ ^ = ^ = ^ = ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ = = = ^ ^ = ^ ^ ^ ^ = ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

The industry also made a successful bid to manufacture the suitcase locks,

which were hitherto imported. Subsequently the industry created additional

capacity to expand production with indigenously forged devices for the

domestic market. Semi-autortiation was also introduced in the industry when

the mechanized process of polishing the finished products substituted the

manual process. This innovation brought down cost and raised labour

productivity and profitability of lock industry.

However, global inflation and scarcity of industrial inputs characterized

the World War II (1939-45) period and this hit the Aligarh lock industry badly.

The worldwide recession, overall economic instability and fluctuating fortunes

of the nations engaged in war created numerous hindrances. Without the

additional capital it became impossible for the industry to install additional

capacity and to ensure adequate supply of raw materials and trained workers

to meet the increased demand of lock. During the war period the prices of

brass scraps kept rising unabated from its pre-war level of Rs 2/- per kilo to a

huge unaffordable Rs 150/- per kilo in 1944. This steep increase in cost and

the scarcity of raw materials forced the industry to reduce the out-put and also

the closure of a number of units. After the end of World War II, the lock

industry again received a set back due to partition of India in 1947. The

Muslim artisans or master craftsman which formed the backbone of the lock

industry in pre-partition days migrated to Pakistan leaving a void which could

not be filled overnight. Due to political and social instability all credit facilities

were abandoned and disinvestment loomed large over the industry for four

years between 1947-51. However, there was simultaneous inflow of a large

number of Punjabi Hindus to Aligarh. Though these Punjabi Hindus were not

traditional lock manufacturers but they were looking for areas where they

could earn maximum returns on their investments. Finding lock-making

profitable business, they set up small units by hiring labour and this led to 151

Chapter-5 ^^^=ssss^^^^^^s^s^s^^^s^sss^^^^s^^ss^^=sss^=s^=i^sssss^^^mSm

resumption of mass production of locks. The industry resumed its normal

function only in 1951 when it appeared safe to transport goods, employ

workers, borrow capital and realize the credits.

These days the demand for locks has increased phenomenally and is

being produced on a mass scale. Initially Aligarh was producing only pad

locks, but recently other varieties of locks- mortice locks, scooter locks,

automobile locks, telephone locks etc. - are also being produced. Today, the

lock industry of Aligarh is a combination of small and big units. It can be

mainly classified under small-scale and cottage industry as the big units are

very few in number. It is estimated that about 80% of the country's locks are

manufactured at Aligarh. Rests of the locks arc manufactured mostly in

Maharashtra, Punjab, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The dependence

of Aligarh's economy on the lock industry can be judged from the fact that out

of 1956 registered industrial units in Aligarh district on 31.12.2000, 1324 units

were lock-units.'Besides the registered lock-units there are a large number of

unregistered tiny and household lock units which play an important part in the

mass production of locks in Aligarh. They constitute roughly about double the

number of registered lock-units. These units, which comprise large part of the

industry, are scattered all over the city with some localities having high

concentration. They are mostly located in the residential houses, outer rooms

and openings in the lanes. The practice of using children as a part of family

labour is very common here.

In Aligarh, locks are also being made in the adjoining villages also. A

large chunk of child labourers who work in the major lock producing units in

Upper Kote, Delhi Gate, Usmanpara, Tantanpara, Bibi Sarai, Madargate,

ADA colony, Shahjamal, ITI Road, Ramghat Road, Achaltal, Qazipara,

Turkman Gate, Nagla Masani, Rawara Bagh, Jamalpur, Lai Diggi etc. come

152

Chapler-5 =s^s^ mss=ssss^^^^=^=^s=^=^sss^^^^s^=^>^=ss=^s^^^^^

from adjoining villages/slums like Jamalpur, Bhambola, Nai Basti, Mabood

Nagar, Naglakela, Barola, Jevan Garh etc.

Structure of Lock Industry :

In the early phase, artisans were also the owner producers when village

blacksmiths (artisans) who had specialized in lock making manufactured the

lock. The structure of the lock industry has undergone many changes since

then - from cottage industry to large factory system; and again from large

factory system to centrally controlled decentralized small processing units.

Moreover, some basic changes have also taken place in the production

relation of artisans engaged in lock making. Firstly, artisans have become

tied-up with factories. Secondly, the factory system has introduced more

division of labour and specialization. Thirdly, lock making is now completed

in many stages and the artisan now usually works for one processing unit only.

The factory system has led to vast technological changes in the lock industry.

But inspite of all these developments, master craftsman could still be found

working independently. However, since the business is not in their hands,

they work on orders from well-known brand owners.

Broadly speaking, present day lock industry consists of three types of

participants in the production structure -

(i) Brand owner manufacturers:

(ii) Middlemen contractors; and

(iii) Artisans who work on orders or as skilled labourers,

i) Brand-owner Manufacturers:

This class of producers has a reputation in the market. They virtually

control the industry in all its spheres. They are the bulk purchasers of raw

materials, used in this industry. They organize lock manufacturing in their

own factories or get it processed through various artisan-run processing units. 153

Chapter-5 ^ = ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ = ; ^ = s s ^ ^ ^ ^ s s s = ^ = ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ = i = = ^ = i ^ = ^ ^ ^ s s = ^ ^ ^ B ^

For this purpose, they largely utilize the services of middlemen contractors.

Finally it is this class that markets the product in India as well as abroad.

These manufacturers have almost monopoly on design making. They also get

designs prepared by craftsmaster under their brand name by purchasing it

from them.

ii) Middlemen Contractors:

The middlemen contractors are the link between the manufacturers and

the artisans. Some of them have their own assembly workshops which they

run with the help of experienced craftsmasters. Their main function is to

secure order from the brand-owner manufacturers and get the required job

done by different processing units run by artisans. In certain cases assembling

work and packaging is done by these middlemen/contractors and then they

supply the final product to the firms. But many brand-owners maintain their

own assembling and packaging units. In such cases, middlemen contractors

supply the required parts to firms directly after collecting from artisans. In

both the cases, these contractors hire or contract the artisans on piece-rate

basis i.e artisans working in their workshops are not the regular employees of

these contractors. Secondly, since artisans are paid on the piece rate basis,

they are free to employ their own helpers, who are invariably children. These

contractors are not usually directly responsible for employment of the child

labourers.

iii) Artisans/Craftsman:

These artisans are the real producers of various varieties of locks.

Mostly these artisans run in household units. These household units are single

processing units. Usually different processing units are located at different

places, i.e. we may find a cluster of different processing units in different

localities. A large number of artisans depend on manual labour and work with

old-time tools and hand presses. Also, by and large old methods and 154

Chapler-5 ^ = s s s ^ ^ ^ = s ^ s s ^ ^ s = s s s ^ ^ ^ = ^ = ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ i ^ ^ = ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ s ^ i ^ ^ S E 5 i

techniques are still widely prevalent due to lack of resources and technical

upgradation among artisans who run such single processing units. Now-a

days, the competition among the artisans to secure work has increased

manifold due to rise in the number of artisans. Factory owners and

contractors tend to take the advantage of this situation. On the other hand,

since artisans have neither the knowledge about market conditions nor are in

a position to influence it, they, therefore, are not able to take advantage when

market demands could favour them. As a result, factory owners and

contractors are able to deal with them by offering the minimum amount of

contract irrespective of market conditions. It is the owners of these single

processing units, who are compelled to hire child workers in the lock-making

industry, as they themselves get low earnings. Prevalence of such single

processing units is the main source for creating and perpetuating child labour

in the industry.

Processes of Lock-making :

Locks manufactured in Aligarh can be broadly divided into two

categories i.e. heav\^ locks, which are usually made by the artisans; and the

small locks which are made on large scale in factories and workshops. Locks

here are made in two processes: (i) Traditional process (ii) Semi-scientific

process. In trad\tior,al method, the lock maker designs a lock and obtains an

order from the trader. Sometimes, the traders themselves design the locks and

place the order with artisans (lock-maker). The trader is usually a financier

who provides artisans an advance/loan for buying raw materials and other

components. This is later adjusted in the total amount due to the artisan.

Once the order is placed, the artisan gives the raw material, either brass or

iron, to moulder alongwith a model. The 'dhalaY or moulder, who is usually

from the scheduled caste community, casts all the pieces according to the 155

Chapter-5 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ = s i ^ s s ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ = = s = ^ = ^ ^ = i ^ ^ s ^ ^ ^ i ^ ^ a ^

specification and returns them to the artisan who files them. Other essential

components like the U-shaped bar, springs, keys etc. are purchased from the

market. After this, the locks are assembled and returned to the trader. The

trader gets the locks polished and engraved with his brand name for

marketing. The heavy locks made of brass or iron are made by this traditional

process.

By the semi sc\eri\f\c process, the smaller and less expensive locks are

produced in bulk in factories and workshops. This process is essentially a

combination of power presses and hand presses for cutting, bending, making

grooves, smoothening, piercing holes, etc. The lock-manufacturers cut scrap

iron sheets, called MSA sheets which are procured from automobile industry,

on power press in their own production units. Thus, the lock case/plate, lid,

flat keys and other parts are cut and bent and grooves are made. Once it is

done, the work shifts to the hand presses where the components are

smothered, holes are punched on keys and lock cases and so on. Hand

presses and the power presses are multifunctional. In each kind of machine a

die is fitted which plays a particular function. The components of the lock get

rusted and therefore they are sent for 'dhoF or drum polishing or polishing on

buffing machine. Drum polishing is done on the parts which are not visible

from outside and parts such as handle, cover, keys etc are sent for

electroplating. Sometime the parts are spray painted.

The cutting of MSA sheets and making outer cover of locks as well as

other components are done in relatively big units with the help of power

presses. But the remaining activities and processes of lock making like buffing,

assembling, electroplating, spray painting, etc. are done in small workshops

and household units. Infact, there is not even a single factory or workshop

where various processes (forty-five in all) are carried out in same premises.

Most of the factories get the parts made outside, giving out the work on 156

Chapter-5 —^^^^^^^—^ss=^=^^-^^—i—^—^-^^^^^M^-fcj

contract basis. There are different contractors for different jobs and the system

of payment also varies widely. Some people are paid by gross, other receive a

weekly wage, and yet' others are remunerated according to lots. In some

units, the premises and machines may directly belong to a person who directly

hires labour and gets the work done on a lot basis. In other cases, the person

who owns the machines may rent them out to different sub-contractors who

hire labour. On the whole, the entire system of lock making works on the

principle of vendor and vendee. The vendee is the large firm that parcels out

jobs to small firms that act as vendors and supply special components to large

firms. It also rests on a curious strange logic of exploitation. The vendor or the

subcontractor is himself fairly poor but survives primarily by exploiting those

who are even poorer.

Children's Participation in Lock making :

The practice of engaging children in the lock units as family labour is

very old. With the expansion of the industry, children gradually began to find

employment in other tiny and household units. The growth of unorganized

sector in general and household units in particular has contributed

considerably to their growth. The nature of work in the lock industry is also

such that children can easily perform a variety of jobs. Various estimates put

the child labour figures at 10,000 to 40,000 children in Aligarh lock industry.

Children do not ordinarily work on moulding, drum polishing, drum plating or

in power press. The children's participation in lock making process is generally

seen in hand press units, polishing pieces on buffing machines, electroplating

and spray units, filling components, making springs, assembling and packing

of lock. The children are also seen carrying lock components in rickshaws from

one unit to another as all the processes are not carried out in a single unit or

factory. Of all the process in which the children are employed- polishing, 157

Chapler-5 mSss^^^^^^s=ss!ss^^^^^^=^S!^^:=m!^^^Sm^^:s^^;s^s^ssss^s^^ssaBm

electroplating, spray painting, and working on hand presses are most

hazardous.

i) Polishing:

The work of polishing is perhaps the most hazardous of all other

process. The rusted components of the lock, which remain visible from

outside, are polished on buffing machines while as the other parts are

subjected to drum polishing. Children are generally engaged in polishing on

buffing machines and are not generally engaged in drum polishing. The

process required the use of black emery powder on the bobs of machines. The

piece is held by hand against the bob and the rusted portion is polished. The

face of the worker is within ten inches of the rotating machines, which run on

power. The powder fly's all around and a layer of black emery powder

enwraps the body of the worker. The worker has also to bend over while

polishing and, therefore, directly inhales the mixture of emery powder and the

metal dust. Also if a piece slips from the hand of a worker while polishing it

can severely injure another worker. While most factories in the industrial area

have a separate place where buffing machines are kept, but, most of the

polishing work is done in interior of old Aligarh city where there is a maximum

concentration of unregistered and unregulated units. Here no regulation is

followed in setting up buffing machines in a unit. In a small room, three to

four of such machines are set up and the workers sit close and work which

may prove to be dangerous.

ii) Electroplating:

It is yet another extremely hazardous process in which more than 70

percent of workers are children below 14 years of age. These children are

engaged in tying polished metal pieces of copper wires, which are then strung

on rods and submerged in acid and alkaline baths. Electro-plating work is

hazardous for a variety of reasons. For one thing, the chemicals used are 158

Chapter-5 ^^s^^^^;^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^=^=s=ss!^^^^=:=ss^^^s^^ms^m:^sssm

extremely dangerous such as lethal potassium q/anide, trisodium phosphate,

sodium silicate, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide, chromic

acid, barium hydroxide etc. The hands of children are in these solutions for

the better part of a 12-hour day, if not longer. Safety appliances such as

gloves or aprons, are not supplied and the exhaust fans are not installed

anywhere, therefore, exposing the children to grave risks. Moreover, when

the current passes through the liquid (chemicals) during electroplating process,

emission of noxious fumes from the solution fills the room and the workers

inhale it continuously posing a huge risk to their lives.

iii) Spray Painting:

Out of the total labour force involved in spray painting units, about 50

percent are children below the age of fourteen years. In this work children are

engaged as helpers. They arrange the components of lock on trays and carry

it to the painting tables. They are also employed to pass on the pieces to the

man who held the spray gun. In this process, they inhale substantial quantity

of paint and thinners,

iv) Hand Presses:

Usually iron pad locks are not moulded. In order to manufacture such

locks, the outer cover portion of locks, keys etc. are cut by power presses or

hand presses. Children are not usually found to be working in power presses

while as they are employed in large numbers in hand press work where they

are engaged to cut different components of locks. Though hand press work is

not hazardous in itself, but if the child worker is not cautious, tips of the fingers

could accidentally get pressed under the knife-edge of the hand press. This

happens frequently because children are made to work for very long hours -

anything from 12 to 14 hours a day. And due to carelessness caused by

exhaustion and partly due to monotonous nature of work and the resultant

lack of concentration, children often lose the tips of their fingers. 159

Chapter-5 ^^^^^^^^^^^sa^^siss^^^^^^s^^s^^^^^sss^s^^s^^^^^sssmi^^^^^^a

v) Assembling Units:

Children are also found working as helpers in filling of lock

components, assembling work and packaging. About 50 to 60 percent of the

workers engaged in this job are children. As some of the components of locks

are tiny, small fingers of children come as an added advantage. Though the

nature of work is not very hazardous but sometimes due to distraction and

tiresomeness the children who work with hammers do get wounded badly.

SCOWiillimiGlfOiimJOT'

A brief overview of the child labour phenomenon in Aligarh Lock

Industry in the precluding section of this chapter has afforded us a set of

assumptions and interrelated concepts for depicting, grasping and

comprehending the problem under investigation. Now it is time to define the

scope of inquiry and elaborate the methods adopted for conducting the study.

Objective of the Proposed Study ;

1. To study the nature and extent of exploitation of child labourers in the

lock industry of Aligarh.

2. To throw light on wages, working hours and health hazards

encountered by child labourers in the lock industry.

3. To ascertain the socio-economic background of the children/families

engaged in lock-industry.

4. To assess the psychological bearing of premature labour on children

working in lock industry.

5. To analyse whether the child labourers of lock industry enjoy the

statutory benefits provided to them in various child labour welfare

legislations.

160

Chapter-5!

6. To suggest measures required to ameliorate the condition of children

working in lock industry.

Scope of the Study :

The following items were included in the exploration:

• Personal Information : Age, Sex, Religion, Level of Education

• Socio-economic Background : Place of origin, Reasons for joining

work.

• Family: Parents (Alive/Dead), Parental Education, Parental Employment,

Number of Siblings, Fulfillment of basic needs by Parents.

• Conditions of Work : Recruitment, Nature of Work, Daily Working

Hours, Rest-Time. Night-Work, Working Hazards, General Health

Conditions, Disease.

• Economic Aspects: Wages, Recipient of Wages, Utilization of Wages.

• Psychological Bearing: Employer-Employee Relationship, Employee-

Employee Relationship, Exploitation by Employers, Attitude towards Work,

Leisure-Time Activity.

• Safeguards: Legislation, Trade Union.

• Aspirations

Hypothesis:

1. The basic needs, physical, psychological and social of child workers

remain largely unrealised.

2. The Child labourers come from poor socio-economic backgrounds and

embroiled in difficult circumstances.

3. The working conditions of child labourers in lock-industry are miserable

and exploitative in nature.

161

Chapter-5 i

4. The employers of child labourers in lock-industry are not sensitive

towards the rights of children and seldom pay attention to them.

5. Child labour is basically a socio-economic problem and therefore

welfare-legislation alone cannot check it.

Methodology :

Since the incidence of child labour is more pronounced amongst tiny

units with small investments and house-hold units, which are spread all over

the city of Aligarh, it becomes desirable to obtain a representative sample of

the target group for an indepth analysis of the problem. To accomplish our

endeavour, a pilot survey was conducted by the researcher l¥] the area and

pre> liminary discussions with owners and other people familiar with industry

were held. During pilot survey informal interviews of children engaged in

different activities of lock manufacturing were also conducted so as to

understand the working of these units. In all 16 localitiv:es/mohallas were

identifieed in our pilot survey. Some working children were selected from

«:each of these localities/mohallas for a comprehensive interview. The total

number of selected children for this purpose was one hundred and they

constituted our sample. In selecting these children care has been taken that

they should be involved in different processes of lock manufacturing and of

different age and background in order to make our sample more

representative.

The main tool of data collection was the Interview Schedule

(questionnaire), which sought information from sampled child labourers

through its pre-coded alternatives as well as open-ended questions. This

questionnaire was pre-tested during the pilot survey and suitably modified

before administering to the sampled respondents. Since most of them were

162

Chapier-5 ••^^^-^^—^—Ji^^=^^^^^^s^—^^^—^^—^^^^^^s^si^^^sgis

illiterates, therefore, it was translated into local language (Hindi/Urdu) and the

responses were noted down by the researcher himself. Sometimes it was

observed that child workers interviewed were shy or suspicious of the

researcher whom they considered as an outsider. In such cases medium of

informal discussion in groups rather than individual interview was conducted

and the questionnaires were not filled up in front of the respondents. It was

seen that children felt were more relaxed and more forthcoming with this

approach. In addition to these, a select random group of parents and

employers of child labourers were also informally and individually involved in

discussion about the problems so as to assess their view point in this respect.

Limitations :

The researcher often had to face strong resistance from the

employers/parents of child labourers, many of whom did not cooperate as

they viewed him with suspicion of being an official from labour department. It

took much persuading to make them cooperate. In some cases the

respondents (child labourers) were very overtly anxious to please tlie

interviewer and answer questions in the way they believe the interviewer

would like. In such cases the researcher had to double-check the answers

when he got the feeling that the answer is far from the factual position. Above

all, given the number of lock-units in Aligarh and the child labour force

involved, a sample of 100 respondents is very small for any attempt at

generalization or estimates. But yet it does provide us an understanding of the

situation of children working in lock-industry and indicates a general trend.

163

Chapter-5 i

Fiiidiiifi;|pC||ie Siirv^^,

1. Religion:

As mentioned earlier in the section of methodology, a total of 100 child

labourers formed the study sample. Out of these, the survey revealed that an

overwhelming (85%) of children come from Muslim households. Next in order

comes the group of Hindus, their share being the rest (15%). It is observed

that no single child labourer belonging to any other religion is found in the

entire sample inspite of small number of Sikhs and Christians living in the

Aligarh district. (See Figure-1).

FIGURE-1

Muslim 85%

^^.•n.lT!;!!!!!!!!!^!^

Hindu 15%

1. RELIGION :

164

Chapter-Si

2. Type of Work:

The nature of work in lock- industry is such that children can easily

perform a variety of jobs. The children's participation in lock-making

process is generally seen in hand-press units, polishing pieces on buffing

machines, electroplating and spray units, filling components, making

springs, assembling and packing of locks. The break-up of the type of work

in which the child labourers of sample study were involved reads as -

(25%) child labourers were engaged in electroplating, (28%) in polishing,

(20%) in hand pressing, (8%) in packaging process, and the rest (19%)

were engaged in various other processes like filling components, making

springs, carrying etc. (See Figure 2). It is submitted here that this break-up

has been consciously chosen by the researcher for a wide coverage of

different processes of lock industry in which child labourers are engaged.

FIGURE-2 other

Processes 19%

Electroplating 25%

Polishing Process

28%

Handpressing 20%

Packaging 8%

2. TYPE OF WORK

165

Chapter-5 ^^^•^^^^^=^^:^sss^s^^^^s^^^^^^s^^^=^^s^^s:sss^^=^sss^ssm

3. Place of Origin :

Migration is one of the most important factor which effects the

supply of child labour. Migration usually means movement by an individual

or a group in search of place for livelihood. It can be triggered by lack of

employment, natural calamities (drought, famine), family disturbances and

urbanization etc. The migrated families supply children for labour force in

order to make both ends meet in the absence of any source of income.

With regard to the place of origin of child labourers of thi2

sample it was found that a large percentage (88%) were the natives of

Aligarh district. While the remaining (12%) of the child labourers were

migrants ranging from different districts of Uttar Pradesh to distant places of

Bihar and Punjab. It may be submitted here that among the (88%) child

labourers who claim to be natives (non-migrants) of Aligarh, a sizable

number among these can be of those who may be second or third

generation migrants i.e. their forefathers may have been migrants to the

present place. But these children are in no position to recall that and may,

therefore, have responded as natives to the question. (See Figure 3).

FIGURE-3 Natives

88%

Migrants 12%

3. PLACE OF ORIGIN

166

Chapter-Si

4. Parents (Alive/Dead).

Parents play an important role in the life a child. As th(3

Chinese saying goes, parents are the first two books a child reads. The lack

of parental love, care and protection can play havoc in the proper

development and growth of a child. The study survey data shows that

(77%) of the child labourers had both their parents alive, (11%) had only

mother alive, (3%) had only father alive and the rest (9%) child labourers

were orphans. (See Figure 4).This data puts forth an interesting point that

most child labourers come from homes where both the parents are alive,

but perhaps due to economic necessity they are forced to work.

FIGURE-4

Both Alive 77%

I I I . ' -

Both Dead 9% Only Father

Alive 3%

Only Mother Alive 11%

4. PARENTS (Alive/Dead)

167

Chapter-5 i = s s = = ^ = s ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ s ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ s s ^ ^ ^ = ^ ^ = = = i ^ i S i =

5. Parental Education:

The education levels of father and mother in the family play an

important role in determining the employment status of child. It is generally

seen that fathers who have a higher level of literacy give priority to the

education of their children. Likewise, mother's education determines h6;r

level of awareness and her participation in deciding the future of her

children. {See Figure 5(a) and 5(b))}.

5(a). Father's Education:

The study reveals that the majority of child labourers had fathers thcit

were illiterate (42%). Among the rest, (10%) had attained education

ranging from 1^ to 4**" standard. Fewer (6%) had education of S**" to 1*"

standard, and a miniscule (2%) had education of middle or above. About

(9%) of fathers had their education in non-formal schools or madarasa A

sizable portion of children (11%) did not know the educational qualification

of their father. The question was not applicable to (20%) of children, as

their fathers were dead. {See Figure 5(a)} .

FIGURE-23

Illiterate 42%

(1 to 4) 10%

Not Applicable 20%

Don't Know 11%

Madarasa (5 to 7) (8 or Above) 9%

6% 2%

5a. FATHER'S EDUCATION

168

Chapter-5 •

5(b) Mother's Education:

The study reveals that the level of literacy among mothers of chil<d

labourers was even worse as (46)% of them were illiterates. Among the

rest, only (13%) had attained education level ranging from 1̂* to ^^^

standard. Negligible (5%) had education of S**' to 7* standard and,

unfortunately, none had attained middle or above standard of education.

About (7%) of mothers had their education in non-formal schools or

madarasa. Again a sizable portion of children (17%) did not know the

educational qualification of their mother. This question was not applicabl<^

to (12%) of child labourers as their mothers were dead. {See Figure 5(b)}.

On the whole, the data shows that the maximum children in the study

come from parents whose educational level is very low or nil. It is also

submitted that the fathers or mothers of children whose education level i:>

below primary level (1"̂ to 4'*' standard) or madarasa education can be

considered as illiterates because over a long period of time these persons

tend to forget whatever little they might have learned about reading or writing.

FIGURE-5b

Illiterate 46%

(1 to 4) 13%

Not Applicable 12%

(5 to 7) 50/p (8 or Above)

0%

Don't Know 17%

Madarasa 7%

5b. MOTHER'S EDUCATION

169

Chapter-5 — ^ — ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ M ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ — ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ . — — ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ i ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ » ^ ~

6. Parental Employment: Work is the most important activity of human beings. Through worl<

we create our world and ourselves. Work results in income, which Is important for individuals and families from several angles. Income gives social status. It also facilitates access to public and private services -educational, medical and recreational. Higher the income, better the chances of development. {See Figure 6(a) and 6(b)}. 6(a). Father's Employment Status:

The study reveals that the percentage of children of employed fathers is more than that of the children of unemployed fathers. Fathers of (67%) of the child labourers of the sample have been found to be doing some kind of work, while remaining (13%) were out of employment. Since (20%) of the fathers in the sample study were not alive, therefore, the question was not applicable to such children. {See Figure 6(a)}. Here it is submitted that the phenomenon of (67%) of employed fathers sending their children to work is due to lack of education among them. The possession of barest rudiments of education also prompts them to accept work at lower income which, in turn, forces them to send their children to work to augment household income.

FIGURE-6a Employed Father 67%

Dead Father 20%

Unemployed Father 13%

6a. FATHER'S EMPLOYMENT STATUS

170

Chapter-5 ^^^ss^=s^=^m^^^^^^=ss^:^s^s^^ss^^^^sss^^^^s^^^ss^^^s^^^s

6(b). Mother's Employment Status:

The study gives a dismal reading regarding the employment status of

mothers of child labourers. Mothers of only (29%) of children were found

to be employed i.e doing some kind of work which brought monetary

benefits. While as, a huge (59%) mothers of children were unemployed.

Since (12%) of the mothers in the sample study were dead, therefore, the

question was not applicable to such child labourers. {See Figure 6(b)}. It

may be submitted here that mother's, by and large, were found to be acting

as house wives in the homes. Since the work of such mother is unpaid, the

child labourers, like the rest of society did not consider it as employment.

This, perhaps, may be the reason why (59%) mothers were revealed to be

unemployed in the study.

FIGURE-6b

Unemployed Mother

59%

. / ' . • r ; i ! i i i ; i ; i ; i i i i i | i ; i | i 3 :

Dead Mother 12%

Employed Mother 29%

6b. MOTHER'S EMPLOYMENT STATUS

171

Chapter-5 ssss^misi^s^^^^^s^^s^s^=sssi^^=s^!^^=^s^^m^ss!SSm^^^^^^^^^:^ssm

7. Number of Siblings: Family is the first unit of civilization and is a universal phenomenon.

The family has a great influence on the child and shapes him/her according to its content and quality. The number of siblings (brothers and sisters) gives us not only the estimate of the size of the family from which the child labourers come from but also provides us an idea about the number of dependents on parents for fulfillment of basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. It must be kept is mind that most of the parents in this study are at a disadvantageous position as far as their earnings are concerned because of their low education level.

The findings reveal that almost all the child labourers have brothers or sisters or both. Infact, 36% child labourers had (1 to 3) siblings, 54% had (4 to 6) siblings and 8% had (7 or more) siblings in number. While, the negligible 2% of children do not have any sibling. (See Figure 7). Obviously, the large family size indicates that there is no attempt on the part of parents to restrict the size of family. It perhaps corresponds to the perception of the poor who perceive children as economically viable assets contributing to household income and a source of social security to parents in old age.

FIGURE-! (7 and above)

Siblings 8%

No Sibling 2%

(4 to 6) Siblings 54%

(1 to 3) Siblings 36%

7. NUMBER OF SIBLINGS

172

Chapter-5 ̂ a s s ^ ^ — ^ ^ — ^ a ^ . ^ ^ ^ ^ — ^ — ^ ^ — ^ M ^ — ^ — ^ i . ^ ^ ^ — ^ ^ ^ i ^ i ^ — ^

8. Basic Needs Fulfillment:

The fulfillment of the basic need food, clothing and shelter of child

labourers by parents (father or mother or both) will give a symbolic picture

of economic status of parents and the households. The data of the study

indicates that only a small fraction of child labourers (3%) felt that their

basic needs were met fully by their parents. As against this a large majority

of child labourers felt that their needs partly met {32%) and completely not

met (56%), by their parents. The (9%) of the remaining sample children

had no parents. (See Figure 8).

FIGURE-8

Not Met 56%

Partly Met 32%

Not Applicable 9% Fully Met

3%

8. BASIC NEEDS FULFILMENT BY PARENTS

173

Chapter-5 — ^ ^ ^ ^ a ^ ^ = ^ ^ = ^ ^ ^ = ^ = ^ ^ ^ " ^ " — ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ s * ^ ^ ^ ^ " " ^ " - ^ " ^ ^ ^ ^ " " ^ ^ ^ " " "

9. Age Composition :

A look at the age composition of child labourers reveals that they are

in the formative years of their life and stand at different stages of childhood.

Here they need to be properly, cared for and brought up in a proper

atmosphere so that they would receive adequate training, education and

guidance in order that they may be able to have their rightful place in

society. The social reality has however different story to tell - as these

children are working as labourers in the sample of the study.

The survey results shows that the labourers fall into three age groups

or stages of personality development, i.e.- (3%) children were in the below

six years age group or the pregenital phallic stage, (43%) were in 6 to 10

years age group or the latency stage, and the rest (54%) child labourers

were in 11 to 14 years age group or puberty stage. (See Figure 9).

FIGURE-9

Puberty Stage (11 to 14 years)

54%

Pregenital Stage (Below 6 years)

3%

9. AGE COMPOSITION

Latenacy Stage (6 to10 years)

43%

174

Chapter-Si

10. Sex:

The sex of an individual provides a universally applicable dichotomy

for dividing all individuals into two permanent classes- male or female.

Through children of both the sexes are found to be working in the lock

industry but the survey observes a gender difference in the incidence.

The survey shows that the number of boys (76%) working as child

labourers is much more than that of girl (24%). (See Figure 10). The huge

difference in gender distribution is due to the fact that poor parents foresee

more economic value of boys than girls, who are retained mostly for

invisible domestic chores/service. Though girls are sometimes found to be

working in lock-unit premises but many more of them work on machines at

home away from public glare due to social and cultural taboos associated

with them.

FIGURE-10

. Boys 76%

10. SEX

175

Chapter-5 ̂ m^^m^m^s^^sss^^s^^ ^—^^m^^^^^s^=^s^=

11. Level Of Education:

Education is of utmost importance for the proper growth and

development of an individual, it not only shapes the life patterns and living

but also helps in shaping thinking, attitude and views. Lack of education

and training retard the future growth of a child. The study reveals that

(48%) of the children were illiterate and never had any formal or informal

schooling. The second highest portion (33%) was of those who had been

to some formal school and had studied upto classes ranging from ?' to 4*''

standard. It may be submitted here that this group of children will largely

lapse into illiteracy over a long period of time because o{ their extremely

low level of education. The study also found that a mere (12%) of children

had passed primary education. While, none of the sampled children had

passed middle or above which is really unfortunate. The interesting part of

the data was that the remaining (7%) of children had received some

education in informal school or madarasa as it is called here. (See Figure 11)..

FIGURE-11 •

Illiterate 48%

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ™ ^ * ^ 12% BeJow Primary

Education 33%

11. LEVEL OF EDUCATION

176

Chapter-5 •

12. Reasons For Joining Work :

Owing to the backwardness and labour intensive type of technology

in lock-industry there is always a search of cheap labour, which is available

in the form of child labour. The findings of the study indicate that

predominately it is the poverty '(73%) which forced the children to join

work. The other important reasons which were cited include - lack of self

interest in schooling (8%), parents not interested in sending them to school

(4%), and learning traditional occupation (11%). Similarly some children

(4%) were working due to other reasons which include huge indebtness,

parental illness etc. (See Figure 12).

FIGURE-12

Poverty 73%

Other Reasons 4%

Parents Not Interested

4% Learning

Traditional Occupation

11%

Lack Of Self Interest In Schooling

8%

12. REASONS FOR JOINING WORK

177

Chapter-5 •

13. The Process of Recruitment:

When the children get embroiled in the struggle for survival they start

looking for jobs. They are quickly lapped up by market hawks (employers)

that employ them in order to maximize their profits through exploitation.

The child comes in contact with employers through several ways.

The study reveals that (76%) of the child labourers got into job through

family contact (which include fathers, mothers, siblings or grand parents

contact, (9%) got job through relatives (cousins, uncles etc.) contacts, (8%)

children got job through direct contact with employer, (5%) through

neighbours contact, and the remaining (2%) had got the job through

contractors. (See Figure 13).

FIGURE-13

Family Contact 76%

Neighbours Contact

5% Contractors Direct

Contact Contact 2% 8%

Relatives Contact

9%

13. PROCESS OF RECRUITMENT

178

Chapter-5:

14. Daily Working Hours :

Hours of working is an important factor for determining the demand

for child labour. The employers prefer children because they work for long

hours without complaining unlike the adult workers. It is really unfortunate

that children are exploited to the maximum possible extent instead of being

sent to schools.

The study reveals that about (16%) of children worked for as high as

12 to 14 hours a day, (22%) children worked for 10 to 12 hours a day and

around (29%) children worked for 8 to 10 hours a day. This way the total

number of children who are working for more than 8 hours a day comes

out to be staggering high. However, there were some children who worked

for lesser hours. About (33%) of the child labourers have been found

working for less than 8 hours a day. Usually this group of children

contained newcomers and unskilled workers. (See Figure 14).

FIGURE-14

Less Than 8 Hours

33%

(12 to 14) Hours 16%

(8 to 10) Hours 29%

(10 to 12) Hours 22%

14. DAILY WORKING HOURS

179

Chapter-Si

15. Rest-Time:

When the children work for so many hours daily, the question is: "

How much time they get for rest?" The study reveals that 18% of the child

labourers were allowed to take rest in between the work for less than half-

an-hour; (59%) of child labourers take rest for half-an-hour to one hour;

and the proportion of child labourers who are permitted rest for over one

hour is relatively smaller at (23%). (See Figure 15). The rest-time is usually

the lunch-break during which children take food.

FIGURE-15

Half-an-hour To One Hour

59%

Less Than Half-an-Hour

18%

Over One Hour

23%

15. REST TIME

180

Chapter-51

16. Work At Night:

Keeping in mind the nature of production in Aligarh lock-industry

there can be no fixed working hours. At times, a worker works for 24 hours

in order to maximize his earnings through overtime work for which he may

be paid some token money by the employer. But sometimes the workers

are even asked to work overtime for free in order to compensate for loss of

productivity during the day-time which could have occurred due to non-

supply of electricity or some fault in machine or non-availability of raw

material etc.

Inquiry into the timings of work revealed that a large portion i.e

(79%) of child labourers worked only during day-time. About (13%) of

children reported that their work schedule can go upto 10:00 P.M. at night.

While, the remaining (8%) reported that they worked during whole night

when the need arises. (See Figure 16).

FIGURE-16 Only During Day

Time 79%

Whole Night 8%

Upto 10 P.M At Night

13%

16. WORK AT NIGHT

181

Chapter-51^^^^^^—^^^^-^^^^—^—^^^^^^^^^—^^^^^ — — ^ ^

17. Wages:

A labourer mainly works for wage earning. The interaction of

demand and supply of labour determine wages as per classical theory. But

in the case of child labour, only employer determines the wages. The

reason being that the supply of child labour is abundant in labour market

due to vicious cycle of poverty and population. The employers take fuller

utilization of this situation and maximize his profit by paying lower wages to

child labourers.

An inquiry about the wage structure revealed that there is no

uniform wage rate for child workers. For a new comer wages are very low.

These new comers or apprentices are assigned ordinary work and are paid

low amount that is just enough to keep their interest alive. After six months

or so, wages of a child labour are increased a little and are given unskilled

but process related work. After around one years of apprenticeship, a child

is allowed to do semi-skilled work. At this point also the wages are

increased. A child usually acquires enough proficiency to undertake skilled

work after two-and -half years to three years and the wages are pushed up

a bit further. However, a child is given independent work only after three or

four years, that too after his proven proficiency in skill. An independent

skilled worker is not employed on fixed wages but is engaged on piece-rate

basis and his earnings can vary greatly between artisan to artisan.

The study confirmed that there is wide spread exploitation of child

labourers as far as their wages are concerned which the employers keep

abysmally low. The survey data showed that (31%) of child labourers are

paid less than a meager Rs 150 per month, (42%) were paid between Rs

150 and Rs 450 per month and (16%) were paid between Rs 450 and Rs

750. The percentage of the children earning more than Fis. 750 per month

182

Chapter-5 ̂ ^ s ^ ^ s ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ = ^ - ^ = ^ — ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ • ^ • ^ ^ ^ • • ^ ^ ^ ^ " • • ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ~ "

was found to be only (5%). In addition to these there were 6% child

labourers who were unpaid workers due to the fact that they were new­

comers or were working in a family unit where his accompanying guardian

takes the benefit of his work. (See Figure 17).

FIGURE-17

Rs 750 or More

5%

Rs (450 To 750)

16% Less Than

Rs150 31%

Rs (150 To 450)

42%

17. WAGES

183

Chapter-Si

18. Recipient Of Wages :

Whatever remuneration a child is paid, it is not always received or

spent by him. The data of the study indicates that only about (58%) child

labourers themselves receive their own earning. Among others, the parents

or guardians of (36%) children receive money that is earned by their

children. This reflects our customs, family ties and attitude of some people

who think that children are mature enough to work for their own living, but

cannot be trusted when it comes to handling their own earned money.

Nevertheless, (6%) of child labourers who were either new-comers or

family labourers, tragically, did not received any money for their

contribution in the work. (See Figure 18).

FIGURE-18

Wages Received By Themselves

58%

Wages Received By Parents/ Guardians

36%

Wages Not Received

6%

18. RECIPIENT OF WAGES

184

Chapter-5 ̂ i a ^ s a ^ g s a s s — — ^ ^ — " ' ^ ^ ^ — ^ ^ i ^ g ^ 5 ^ =

19. Utilization Of Wages:

Notwithstanding tlie fact whether the child labourer

rece ives his wages himself or his pa ren t s /gua rd ians get it

- the wages utilization in any case mainly goes for

ma in t enance of family. The child labourer in lieu of his

hard work may or not be gett ing some pocket money for

pe rsona l day to day expendi ture . But when the income is

small , the pocket money received (if any) is expected to

be even smaller. The study reveals that a major port ion

of child labourer (72%) contr ibuted more than three-

fourth of their wages towards family upkeep . This figure

excludes (6%) child labourers who cont r ibute cent

pe rcen t of their wages and in the process do not take

even a penny to meet their own expenses . Among the

rest , (11%) child labourers contr ibuted half to three-

fourth of their total wages, (5%) child labourers

contr ibut ion was at less than half of their total wages,

and the remaining (6%) child labourers did not

cont r ibute any money to meet family expendi tu re as

these children were unpaid labourers . (See Figure 19). It

is submit ted here that whatever pocket money a child

labourer gets is mostly spent on snacks, c inema, clothes

etc. These expendi tures provide them some recrea t ion

and boosted their confidence to survive. However the

inquiry also brings to surface that some child labourers

were spending the pocket money on smoking and

tobacco chewing which further de te r iora tes their heal th .

185

Chapter-5 •

FIGURE-19

Contribution >3/4'^To<100%

Of Wages 72%

Contribution Cent Percent

6%

Contribution

HalfToSM'*" Of Wages

11%

Unpaid Contribution Child Workers Less Than Half

6% Of Wages 5%

19. UTILIZATION OF WAGES

186

Chapter-Si

20. Exploitation by Employers: The child labour is cheap and costs nothing to maintain it. The

employers also employ children because they are docile, undemanding and can be made to work for long hours with low pay, and even for personal demands of employers. In order .to explore whether or not child labourers feel that they are being exploited by the employers - three interrelated components of the employer-employee relations were investigated- i.e. pay, work and physical abuse. It is submitted here that it was felt by the researcher that the children, though victims of exploitation, were afraid of complaining against their employers for fear of losing their jobs. So the data presented below can surely be an under-estimate of the actual situation. {See Figure 20(a), 20(b) and 20(c)}. 20(a). Low Wages :

The study reveals that regarding the wages majority of child labourers (63%) felt that they get inadequate wages for the amount of labour effort they put in. Among the rest, (20%) of child labourers were satisfied with the amount of wages earned. A significant number of child labourers (11%) did not respond to the query while as the remaining (6%) of child labourers were unpaid workers therefore the question was not applicable to them.{See Figure 20(a)}.

FIGURE-20 (a)

No Response

11% Not

Applicable 6%

20 (a). LOW WAGES

187

Chapter-Si

20(b). Over-Work Exploitation:

The study data further reveals that regarding the employer very often

exploits children by making them to overwork much beyond their physical

capacity. It was found that (53%) child labourers did acknowledge that they

were being over-burdened with work. However, interestingly (36%) of child

labourers did not complain about being over-worked. While the remaining

(11%) of child labourers did not respond to the question. {See Figure

20(b)}.

FIGURE-20 (b)

Yes 53%

No Response

11%

20 (b). OVER-WORK EXPLOITATION

188

Chapter-5 •

20(c) . Physical Abuse:

The study also reveals that the employers frequently abuse child

labourers. About (42%) of child labourers confessed that they are

physically abused if they commit any mistakes. Among the rest, a majority

of (45%) child labourers informed that employers did not physically abuse

them while the remaining (13%) child labourers did not respond to the

question. {See Figure 20(c)}.

FIGURE-20 (c)

Yes 42% No

45%

No Response

13%

20 (c). PHYSICAL ABUSE

189

Chapter-Si

21. Working Hazards:

Working conditions are certainly far from being satisfactory for the

cilild labourers and they, thus, are exploited on this front also. The

employers are always reluctant in providing them proper and safe

working place working conditions that caters to their medical needs. {See

Figure 21(a), 21(b) and 21(c)}.

21(a). Adequate Lighting:

Regarding the provision of adequate lighting at the work place,

(66%) of child labourers felt that there was adequate light at their work

place to work comfortably. While as the remaining (34%) child labourers

thought that the light conditions at their workplace were not adequate. {See

Figure 21(a)}.

FIGURE-21 (a)

Yes 66%

-,(• n • J • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 ' 1 • ( " v , , ^ , 1 ' 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 ' ^ v

> n ' 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 •1 • 1 ' 1 " 1 • 1 ' 1 • ' 1 • r v y^ 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 • 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 • 1 ' 1 ' 1 %

y " 1 ' 1 • 1 • 1 •1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 ' 1 • 1 • 1 " v / • 1 • 1 • 1 ' 1 ' 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 ' 1 • 1 • 1 ' I • 1 • 1 • 1 •1 • 1 ^

/ I I I 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' I ' i ' i ' 1 ' 1 ' i \

/ I • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 ' 1 •1 • 1 • i \ 4 • 1 ' 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 • 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' 1 ' k ^ i 1 1 1 1 1 ' 1 ' I ' l ' 1 ' I ' l ' I ' I ' 1 "N

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i : i : i ! i ! i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 • • • ' • • 1 i l l f t B l i l ' • ' • ' • ' • ' • ' • ' • ' • '

21 (a). ADEQUATE LIGHTING

190

Chapter-Si

21(b). Adequate Ventilation:

Regarding ventilation at tiie workplace that is free from the noxious

fumes or metallic dust particles, it was found that (53%) of child labourers

felt the workplace suffocating as there was no proper mechanism for proper

ventilation. While the remaining. (47%) child labourers did not find any

problem in ventilation. {See Figure 21(b)}. It is submitted here that a good

number of these child labourers can be of those who have got used to

these adverse ventilation conditions because in one-such unit, the

researcher could not bear to stand in noxious fumes while the child

labourers working there did not find any problem with the air they were

breathing.

FIGURE-21 (b)

Yes 47%

No 53%

21 (b). ADEQUATE VENTILATION

191

Chapter-Si

21(c) Safe Drinking Water :

Regarding the availability of safe drinking water at the workplace

(89%) of child labourers did had access to safe drinking water which was

supplied through taps by the local authorities. While as the rest (11%) did

not had such access to safe drinking water and had to rely on tube wells for

quenching their thirst. {See Figure 20(c)}.

FIGURE-21 (c)

Yes 89%

21 (c). SAFE DRINKING WATER

192

Chapter-Si

21(d). Sanitation Facility:

Regarding the provision of proper sanitation facility it was found that

(41%) of child labourers did not had any regular toilet facility at workplace.

Most of them use street comer and open spaces for attending the nature's

call which is very unhygienic. Relatively larger proportion of (59%) child

labourers acknowledge having sanitation facility at workplace. {See Figure

21(d)}. It is submitted here that, it would be wrong to conclude that for the

(59%) child labourers had proper sanitation facility. Infact, they somehow

are somehow able to manage it in some dirty comers with or without water

supply to wash their hands.

FIGURE-21 (d)

Yes 59%

^rfTl ,Ti I I I , I I l7l .Tfc

No 41%

21 (d). SANITATION FACILITY

193

Chapter-5 •

21(e). Use of Protective Gear:

Though work in lock-industry is detrimental to the health of child

workers but some of the potential dangers can be minimized if

precautionary measures are adopted like face marks, goggles, hand gloves,

head to toe clothing etc to avoid direct contact with metallic dust and

noxious chemical fumes. The installation of vacuum pumps and exhaust

fans can also help, to a large extent, in providing a safe work place.

Regarding the query whether the child labourers use any protective gear

while working it was study reveals that an overwhelming majority of

children (81%) were not using any protective gears. The remaining (19%)

child labourers did confirm about the use of some protective gears. {See

Figure 21 (e)}. However, it is submitted here that a substantial number

children among the later (19%) child labourers is of those who use simple

cloth masks, ill fitted goggles, and torn-out gloves in lieu of proper

protective protective gears.

FIGURE-21 (e)

/W

No 8 1 %

'•'•'• flit!'''

^ w 1 1 1 1 ^

1 1 1 1 1 ^

' I ' i ' i ' ! ' ! ' ! ' !

» • • • • • 1 J H T

21(e). USE OF. PROTECTIVE GEAR

194

Chapter-5;

22. General Health Conditions:

Good health is one of the basic human need. Conversely,

protection from illness is an incontrovertible prerogative of

every one. But it is needless to say that work at an early stage

of life in exploitative conditions retards the development of

children and makes them' prone to various diseases. The

harmful effects of various pollutants encountered in work

environment does inversely effect the health of children.

To have a realistic picture of the health condition of child

labourers, an inquiry was made about how often have they

fallen ill during the last one year. The study reveals that (19%)

of child labourers did not reported to have fallen ill at all

during the past one year. In contrast, the other (14%) did

report to have fallen frequently ill during the same period of

time. A vast majority of (67%) of child labourers reported to

have suffered only from "occasional illness" during the past

one year period. (See Figure 22). It is submitted here that

though prima facie, it appears that the general health

condition of most of the child labourers is moderate i.e.

suffering from occasional illness but it ought to be pointed out

here that this health condition of child labourers can get even

worse after a period of time i.e. an occasional cough today

may result in Tuberculosis if medical help is not sought. This,

unfortunately, is the case mostly as very few children take

their illness seriously at the initial stage. The lack of medical

facility at the workplace makes the situation worse for them.

195

Chapter-5 •

FIGURE-22

Occasional Illness 67%

'f^TTr^ r T T ? T ^

Frequent Illness 14%

22. GENERAL HEAITH CONDITIONS

196

Chapter-5 s s ^ = ^ s s ^ ^ = ^ ^ i = ^ = s ^ = ^ s ^ = ^ = ^ = = ^ ^ = = s = ^ ^ ^ s i i ^ 5 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ s

23. Diseases:

An inquiry into the type of disease which caused illness (both

frequent and occasional) to the child labourers in the past one year

revealed that with (29%) child labourers suffered from chest disease, (19%)

from eye problem and (14%) from skin disease. These diseases were

mainly caused by the direct contact of child labourers with noxious

chemical fumes and metallic dust emitting in work related processes.

Among the rest, (12%) of child labourers reported illness due to body ache

which was mainly due to sitting in a particular squatting posture

continuously for long hours during work. While (7%) of child labourers

cited other problems like E.N.T. problem, headaches, high fever, stomach

aches etc. Child labourers who did not report any illness constituted only

(19%) of the total. {See Figure 23}.

FIGURE-23

Eye Problem 19%

Chest Disease 29%

• i:i I I ' - ^

Bodyache 12%

No Illness 19%

Skin Disease 14%

Other Problems 7%

23. DISEASE

197

Chapter-5 i ^ s i ^ i ^ ^ ^ = ^ ^ s s s = i ^ ^ s ^ = ^ ^ ^ s i ^ i ^ = i s ^ ^ i ^ ^ ^ s i ^ ^ = ^ s s ^ ^ = s a ^ = s s

24. Psychological Bearing :

Health in broader perspective means a state of

complete physical and psychological well being and not

merely the absence of disease and infirmity. The

psychological needs like - love, care protection etc. are

mostly met by harmonious familial relations to a large

extent. But, since a child labourer is most of the time away

from family environment, therefore, is this void in their

lives fulfilled by his work-place relations? In order to have

an idea about it - it becomes necessary to understand

"employer-employee relationship" and "child labourer-fellow

employee's relationship" because it is these people who can

satisfy his psychological needs. {See Figure 24(a), 24(b) and

24(c)}.

24(a) Employer-Employee Relationship :

In order to understand the children's relationship with

their employers it becomes necessary to know (i) children's

attitude towards employers, and (ii) to understand their

impressions of the employers treatment towards them. When

questioned about their attitude towards their employer, as

many as (24%) child labourers did not give any response

(probably out of fear of reprisal) while as (49%) child

labourers felt afraid of their employer. Interestingly, (18%)

did have love and respect for their employer. Only a small

portion of child labourers (9%) felt hatred and anger

towards their employer. {See Figure 24(a)} .

198

Chapter-Si

FIGURE-24 (a)

Fear 49%

No Response

24%

Love And Respect

18%

Hatred And Anger

9%

24 (a). EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP

199

Chapter-5:

24(b). Treatment by the Employers :

The results of query 24(a) seem to be related to how child labourers

are treated by their employers. Considerable (37%) child labourers felt

being neglected by the employer , while (22%) of child labourers felt that

they were treated well by them. Only (13%) of the remaining child

labourers felt that they were being maltreated. A large percentage of child

labourers (28%) gave no response to this question. (See Figure 24(b)}.

FIGURE-24 (b)

No Response

28%

Neglected 37% Treated

Well 22%

Maltreated 13%

24 (b). TREATMENT BY THE EMPLOYERS

200

Chapter-5 ™^—^^^^s^^^ i—ss^ss i^ .^——^^^^^ : -^^^^—^^^^-^^^^^s^—^"^~»

24(c). Employee-Employee Relationship:

A child needs recognition and praise from the people around him

about the activities he does. A cordial relationship with fellow-employers

gives adequacy and contentment to child labourers and satisfies their urge

for social exchange and social acceptance.

The study reveals that (68%) of child labourers felt that they were

treated well by fellow employees while (16%) of child labourers felt that

they were hostile towards them; Among the rest, (11%) child labourers

complained about indifferent attitude of their fellow employees. A small

portion (5%) child labourer did not respond to the question. {See Figure

24(c)}.

FIGURE-24 (c)

Treated Well 68%

Hostile 16%

Indifferent 11%

24 (c). EMPLOYEE-EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP

201

Chapter-Si

25. Children's Attitude Towards Work:

Every body should be allowed to develop his potentialities or,

simply, to do what he is good at and finds interesting. Otherwise, work

becomes drudgery especially for children if they derive no personal

satisfaction or pleasure with the income earned after working. Interestingly,

the study survey shows that inspite of all the exploitation the attitude of

child labourers towards work is quite different than what it should have

ordinarily been. It was seen that (56%) child labourers liked the present

work, and only (17%) did not liked it. The rest (27%) did not respond to

the query. {See Figure 25}. It may be submitted here that this attitude of

child labourers stems from their belief that work for them is unavoidable as

they find other members of their age group also working in their immediate

surroundings. The sustenance of families has also made their work at a

premature age indispensable.

FIGURE-25

No Response 27%

Dislike 17%

25. CHILDREN'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS WORK

202

Chapter-Si

26. Leisure-Time Activity:

Leisure-time after worl<ing hour's plays significant function in the life of an individual and for society. It serves as a safety vcilve to release tensions produced during normal course of life; provides avenues of sociability; offers change opportunities for self-expression; and also acts as a symbol of status. The study focussed on two types of leisure time activities: (a) active leisure-sports and games; and, (b) informal social life-social and cultural gatherings. {See Figure 26(a) and 26(b)}. 26(a) Sports and Games participation:

The active leisure - sports and games have a profound impact on a person. It not only make him physically fit but also teaches him discipline, teamwork, coordination etc. Regarding the query whether the child labourers get time on a regular basis after work to participate in sports and games - it was revealed that only (37%) of the child labourers were always able to indulge themselves in such activities. About (34%) of children reported that their work schedule never allowed them to do so; while the remaining (29%) reported that they were only occasionally able to participate in this active leisure activity. {See Figure 26(a)}.

FIGURE-26 (a)

Always 37%

Never 34%

Occasionally 29%

26 (a). SPORT AND GAMES ACTIVITY

203

Chapter-5 ^^s^^ss^^smssss^s^^sss^^s^^ss^^s^^^s^^^^^ss^^^^^^^^^^^^!^

26(b). Social and Cultural gatherings:

The formal social life - social and cultural gatherings satisfy a persons

need of affiliation, identification, affection, social interaction, social

approval etc. Regarding the query whether the child labourers get time on

a regular basis after work to participate in informal social life - social and

cultural gatherings, it was revealed that a majority (42%) child labourers

were always able to attend such activities. About (30%) of children

reported that their hectic work schedule never allows them to do so while

the remaining (28%) reported that they were only occasionally able to

participate in informal social life during their leisure time. {See Figure

26(b)}.

FIGURE-26 (b)

Always 42%

Occasionally 28%

Never 30%

26 (b). SOCIAL AND CULTURAL GATHERINGS

204

Chapter-Si

11. Trade Unions:

The trade unions play an important role in the implementation of

existing laws on minimum wages, working hours and rest intervals. It

strengthens the workers bargaining capacity over their wages, conditions of

work, etc. besides saving them from other forms of exploitation. Regarding

the query child workers have the patronage of any trade union. Astonishing

cent percent of child labourers denied the presence of any such

organization. {See Figure 27}. It is submitted here that on whole very little

of the total labour force in lock-industry enjoy the benefit of trade union as

most of the lock-units are small in size and lie scattered all over.

Unionization is also weak due to temporary and contract workers.

Moreover, the lack of the sensitivity to the issue of child labour is also

observed among trade union leaders.

FIGURE-27

Yes 0%

No 100%

27. TRADE UNION

205

Chapter-5 s s = ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ = ^ ^ = ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ = ^ ^ ' ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ " ' ^ "

28. Child Labour Legislation Awareness:

Our laws give the appearance of a well-regulated society whose

State is devoted to the protection of the child. In lock industry, work in

certain processes which are hazardous to children is forbidden under ChM

Labour (P&R) Act, 1986. However, law has been reduced to a symbolic

value in the absence of its effective enforcement. Regarding the query

whether the child labourers know that work in certain hazardous processes

of lock-industry is forbidden for child workers by law- (68%) child labourers

pleaded their ignorance about it while the remaining (32%) children did

reply in the affirmative. (See Figure 28). It may be submitted here that

ruthless implementation of laws prohibiting child labour is a desideratum.

FIGURE-28

No 68%

.<Of^!!!;!i!!!i ^ 0

Yes 32%

28. CHILD LABOUR LEGISLATION AWARENESS

206

Chapter-5 ^^^^=^^^^^^^s^ssssssssssss!^^^^^^^=^sssss^^^^^^^^^^^ssssss!s

29. Aspiration: Aspiration refers to a goal set by a cliild labourer for himself. There

are two types of aspirations of a person i.e ideal and real. Real aspiration implies what a person is expecting to achieve or planning about and the ideal aspiration refers to what the person would like to achieve as per his desires and wishes. The study has tried to ascertain only the ideal aspiration of the child labourers.

The study revealed that the majority of child labourers (34%) wanted to continue the same job even in future. This perhaps is due to the fact that early work has confined their vision to the periphery of the occupation he is engaged in and, therefore, they cannot think of other jobs and ways to obtain them. About (21%) children did aspire to have a better income job in adulthood; while another (14%) reported to be aspiring for higher education. Among the rest, (6%) children had high ambitions and wanted to be rich and have own business, (18%) children wanted to serve the public by becoming doctors, engineers, military men, film stars etc. The remaining (7%) children did not respond to the query. They perhaps, did not aspire for anything and had left everything to fate. (See Figure 29).

FIGURE-29

Same Job 34%

Better Income Job 2 1 %

Public Service 18%

No Response own Bussiness 7% 6%

29. ASPIRATION

Education 14%

207

Chapter-5 \

i^^^iislon of the Sn

Since its inception in tiie 19* century, the lock industry has remained as

a prominent industry in Aligarh. Its traditional product, i.e. the lock, has made

the place famous all over the world. However, the practice of employing child

labour in work-force in this industry is becoming a cause of concern all

around. The phenomenon of employment child labour can largely be

attributed to all developing economies where the size of modem organized

sector continues to remain small and grows slowly. It is the informal sector in

these economies which continues to absorb a vast majority of workers.

However, within the informal sector there is a tendency among workers to

move from unskilled type of work to semi-skilled and further to skilled type of

work. Obviously workers also want to move from low-income activity to work

which gives them higher income and respect. This status factor within the

informal sector is crucial of sending children to work.

In Aligarh lock-industry the incidence of child labour is confined mostly

to the unorganized, house-hold units. Usually, these do not have any direct

access to the market and depend on the sub-contracted work from bigger

units. But, they contribute immensely to the total out-put production of the

industry. Now-a-days, though the technology of lock-making has gradually

changed and has become more scientific over the years but still total

mechanization has not been adopted yet. As a result, lock-making continues

to be completed in many stages in these single processing units or house-hold

units. But, except for a few processes, not much skill is required so as to

employ only skilled labour in these units. The owners of these single

processing units/house-hold units generally see children as reasonable

substitute as they work on lower wages than the adult workers. It is beyond

208

Chapier-5 • ' • — — — — ^ — — ^ i ^ M ^ M ^ ^ - ^ ^ a a ^ ^ a ^ s B ^ ^

any shadow of doubt, that the prevalence of such house hold units are the

main source of child labour.

The study reveals that a substantial proportion of the child population

who eke out a living in lock-industry come from families entrapped in poverty

(73%). Though most of the child labourers come from homes where both the

parents are alive (77%) but due to lack of education, their parents were not

absorbed in any lucrative work. The income of the parents is abysmally low

and, therefore, are not able to fully meet the basic needs of children (56%).

This desperate situation of the poor families-both native (88%) and migrant

(12%)-induce them to produce more children (62% child labourers had 4 oi

more siblings) as their last hope of survival. Children bom to them are a

tangible asset on whose earnings (78% of child labourers contributed more

than 3/4'̂ of their wages towards family expenses) depend their sustenance.

Among children, poor parents see more economic value of boys (76%) than

girls (24%) to engage them in lock-industry. The later are retained mostly for

domestic chores/services, perhaps, due to social and cultural reasons. Since

the poor parents cannot afford to invest in clothes, education, medical care,

etc. of their children- so child rearing seems to be cheap to them. Some

parents engage their children in lock-industry to impart skill proficiency (11%)

amongst them as early as possible. This, perhaps, is due to the fact that there

exists today a position of surplus labour population and immense competition.

As a result, the parents want their children to learn the tricks of the trade as

early as possible so that they can fully compete in the market. They foresee

skill proficiency as a future economic gain and in the process neglect the

education of children, the importance of which they are unable to understand

because they themselves are mostly uneducated. In reality, education is a key

factor for social change and progress. As long as child labourers remain

illiterate (48%) and are subject to denial of opportunities of education, the 209

Chapier-5 ^ = ^ ^ ^ << a ^ ^ s ^ ^ ^ = g = ^ s a ^ = ^ss^sm^s

motivation of their liberation from labour life so badly needed to improve the

quality of their life, will fail. This point is proved beyond doubt by the fact

that child labourers wanted continue in the same job in their adulthood (34%)

when asked about their aspiration. The lack of education has indeed limited

their vision to their present occupation.

The study reveals that the child labourers get work through different

modes, viz., family contacts (76%), relatives contacts (9%), neighbours

contacts (5%) etc., when they start looking for jobs. The employers also prefer

them as they can be made work longer and paid less. They adopt the

apprenticeship system of work-structure and thereby exploit the child workers

to the maximum. Since for these children survival means work, they accept

work even for a pittance (79% of child labourers got wages less than Rs. 450

per month or no wages). They are not paid even the minimum wages which

is in contravention of the decision of Supreme Court which provides that child

labourers must get at least 60% of the prescribed minimum wage for adult

employees doing the same job (M.C. Mehta, AIR 1991 SC 417). This

disparity of wages in lock-industry can directly be related to adult under­

employment and unemployment. The employers also exploit child labourers

to their own advantage in terms of "hours of work' and 'rest-time' by not

adhering to the limit prescribed under law. The study shows that the daily

working hours of child labourers (67%) vary between 8 and 14 hours, as

against 6 hours prescribed in non-hazardous occupations under Section 7(3)

of the Child Labour (P&R) Act, 1986. Mostly these child labourers are made

to work breathlessly as they do not get enough rest-time (77% of child

labourers got rest-time of only one hour or less) in proportion to the labour

time they put in. this again is in contravention of the Child Labour (P&R) Act,

1986. Section 7 (3) of this Act puts every employer under statutory obligation

to arrange the period of work on each day in such a manner that no period 210

Chapler-5 > ^aas=^ - ' i ^^^i^= ^^=ss^s=^=^

shall exceed three hours and no child shall work for more than 3 hours before

he had interval of rest for atleast one-hour. It has also been found that the

employers make children work even in the late hours of the evenings and also

during nights in contravention with Section 7 (4) of Child Labour (P&R) Ad,

1986, which prohibits employment of children between 7 P.M. and 8 A.M. In

fact, the working of children in certain hazardous processes of lock-industry

like electroplating, polishing, spray painting etc. is totally banned under the

Schedule B of the above Act, yet the employers do not hesitate to employ

them. The ignorance of child labourers about the legislation (68%) has also

added to their misery. Lack of proper working conditions and medical aid

further escalates their exploitation. A good number of children in the study

confirmed that there was no adequate light (34%) and ventilation (53%) at

their work place to protect them against accidents and noxious fumes and dust

pollutants. The child labourers were not even provided with any protective

gear (81%) by the employers so as to minimize the potential dangers of

hazardous work. Regarding the provision of basic amenities at work place, it

was found that many child labourers had no access to safe drinking water

(11%) and proper sanitation facility (41%). This deficiency in the

infrastructural input largely occurs due to the costs involved in providing it.

On the whole, the reason for the woes of child workers regarding unduly long

hours of work, abysmally low wages, unhygienic and hazardous working

conditions can also be attributed to the total absence of various Organisations

and Unions to backup their demands. But, curiously enough, these conditions

had hardly affected their health. Keeping in mind the exploitative

environmental conditions prevailing in their workplace, the logic dictates that

it must affect the health of child labourers. But the study reveals that the

health of child workers was moderate during the past one year i.e. oniy

occasional illness (67%) was reported. But it must be mentioned here that the 211

Chapier-5 ̂ i ^ - ^ ^ ^ s = ^ s = — ^ ^ — ^ i ^ ^ - n - ^ ^ ^ s ^ — ^ — i ^ ^ ^ " ^ ^ i ^ ^ « ^ = ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ = ^ ^ ^ ^ " ^ " ^

child labourers are frequently victims of a variety of diseases about which little

is known to them as they never go in for medical check ups as it is beyond

their means. They do not find even the psychological solace in the form of

love, protection etc. from their fellow workers and employers. This could be

gauged from the fact that most children of the study sample nurture negative

attitude towards employers; they felt fear (49%) and hatred and anger (9%)

for them. Cordial relationship is more an exception than the general rule. It is

also found that the participation of child labourers in leisure-time activitie.«.

which is essential for promoting allround development is negligible. Only 37*%>

child labourers were able to indulge in sports and games. Likewise, only 42%

of them were able to participate in social and cultural gatherings in order to

keep their social life alive. On the whole, the child labourers caught in the

web of low-income, environment hazards, unsatisfied psychological needs etc.

did feel that they were being exploited by their employers in terms of lov̂

wages (63%), over-work (53%) and physical abuse (42%) etc. However, it

will be interesting to note that only (17%) of child labourers did not liked their

present job. It can, perhaps, be due to the fact that they must have reconciled

to the fact that work, whatever it may, is their fate and there is no

escape from it.

Suggestions to eradicate child labour:

It seems from the case study of Aligarh lock-industry that the problem

and causes of child labour here is more or less same as it is in other places of

India. Therefore, the strategy for dealing with child labour phenomenon in

Aligarh lock-industry is more general than specific. It must be kept in mind

that child labour cannot be approached as an isolated problem and its

212

elimination will require a set of direct albeit, inter-related measures which must

be adjusted in accordance with the socio-economic situation of the place.

Of the several measures, education is one way to minimize, if not to

eradicate, the phenomenon of child labour. The Directive in the Constitution

for free and compulsory education of children below 14 years of age needs

effective implementation. It is the imperative for the State to provide the infra

and supra-structure to make this Constitutional obligation a reality. Alongside,

concrete efforts are to be made to displace the child labour from work-place so

as to enroll them in schools. This move will achieve the laudable objective of

universalization of primary education, besides, reducing child labour. Those

children who have to work for the sustenance of their families should be

allowed the facility to attend part-time schools. As a stop-gap arrangement,

special schools can be set-up to cater to the needs of such children. The

syllabus and the curriculum of such schools should be so designed that they

impart some kind of vocational training besides the formal education. The

subjects of vocational training shall be chosen as per the socio-economic

conditions of Aligarh district, (U.P.), in the present case. Moreover, committed

and trained teachers should be recruited to take up this type of teaching. The

Education Department of the state and the NGO's must be entrusted the

responsibility to motivate the parents to send their working children to such

special schools.

Another root cause for growth of child labour menace is poverty. For

its progressive elimination it is suggested that the state should launch various

anti-poverty programme? in Aligarh and its neighbouring districts. Attempts

must be directed towards raising the income of the poorer sections of the

community because the poverty and deprivation force children to work. For

this purpose more and more employment avenues for the adults should be

created on priority basis. Effective enforcement of the Minimum Wages Act 213

Chapter-5 • -

should also be emphasized. Small-scale and cottage industries of the district

should be given a boost. The banking institutions should come forward with

loans to enable the unemployed to carryout business and trade. The present

anti-poverty programmes should be made more meaningful and purposeful.

The benefit of such programmes should reach the needy and the deserving

and not be reduced to a conspiracy against the laity. These measures will

make the financial position of the poor families much better and they,

certainly, would be in a much better position to take care of their children.

There is also the need to consolidate the existing laws relating to child

labour and to make them more effective. Each state in India has its own

problems. One set of rules cannot be applied to all states of India. It is

therefore, necessary for each state to make its own rules to deal with the

specific problems with which it is confronted. To start with, the Government

of U.P. should promulgate a law which prohibits the working of children under

the age of 12 years in both formal and household/family based units of lock

industry of Aligarh. Apart from the employers, the parents should also made

accountable for sending their children to work. Another provision that need to

be included in laws is that the benefit under the First Offenders Act should not

be permitted to anybody who violates the child labour laws and regulations.

Also in all cases where prosecution is launched for violation of child labour

regulations the burden of proof shall be with the lock-unit owner instead of the

petitioner. Another reforni which can be canried out immediately is the

strengthening of inspection so that provisions of law are implemented

effectively and unhindered by comjpt practices. It is bound to have a sobre

effect if the District Judge makes frequent visits in the lock-industries to check

violation of labour laws.

It is equally necessary to sensitize the employers about the ill effects of

child labour on the society because they are largely responsible for their 214

Chapter-5 — M ^ ^ — ^ ^ — —^——^^^^s^assssag^s^aaM^—^^i—^^^^-^—j

exploitation. There is an urgent need to motivate them not to employ child

labourers in the hazardous work. Even if they employ any child in the non-

hazardous process, it should be strictly in accordance with the law. They must

treat these children in a human way and not make them work for long hours

with no rest, or give them work beyond their physical capacity and pay them

less than what they would pay an adult worker for the same type of work.

The employers should be also motivated to jointly set-up non-formal schools

under their supervision in the building of any of the employers where these

child workers serving under them can study after work.

Another important measure to be under taken is to ensure good health

care and medical facilities for child labourers till they are properly

rehabilitated. A system should be evolved in such a way that every child

labourer is periodically checked for occupational diseases. A drive to keep

working environment hygienically clean should also be attempted by

authorities. The provision of supplementary feeding programmes for working

children of lock-industry should be given a primary place in efforts directed at

enhancing the nutritional status of children. There is also a need to provide

separate wings in the public hospitals of Aligarh district, which could

exclusively serve, for child labourers. The employers should also contribute

towards health services programmes for those children who work in their

units. A doctor in every industry with first aid facilities should be made

mandatory. Where the number of working children is small, two or more

employers may introduce such service jointly. Serious cases should be

referred to the hospitals at the cost of employers. Besides, Group Insurance

Scheme as run in organized sectors for adults can be introduced for child

workers of lock-industry here.

There is also a need for the effective potential utilization of Non-

Govemment Organizations, Mass Media and Youth of Aligarh district for 215

Chapter-5 — « — — — ^ - ^ s s i ^ s s s — — ^ ^ ^ ^ • - ^ ^ ^ — ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ — ^ — — • ^ ^ ^ — ^ ^ ^ — ^ ^ ^ —

eradication child labour in lock-industry. The state should involve NGO's in

planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the various welfare

programmes launched by it for child labourers of Aligarh district. The mass media

can be mobilized in creating an awareness amongst all sections of the society

towards the consequences of child labour in general and the ill effects of unsafe

working conditions in particular. It can also promote the rights of children about

which there is, surprisingly high degree of ignorance among masses of Aligarh

district. The students and teachers of Aligarh Muslim University and other colleges

should be mobilized to play role of volunteers and project advisors respectively in

order to eradicate the menace of child labour in lock-industry of Aligarh.

Community centers should be opened for child labourers where some

social, cultural and recreational facilities must be made available to them. These

community centers must be organized in any Government building of Aligarh

district, which can spare one large room or their premises in the evening without

much difficulty. Besides providing an opportunity for social interaction, these

centers can also provide avenues for motivating children towards education.

Games and sports activities can also be organized here to combat the stress of

work on the children and to attract them towards such centers.

Last, but not least, it would not be out of context to suggest that there is a

need to establish labour co-operatives which can also be an effective supplier of

institutional credit to enable the parents who depend on their children to sustain

families. Besides welfare fund may be created at the industry level, wherein a

certain percentage of gross value of production could be contributed by the

manufacturers. This fund can atleast contribute to compensate for the loss in

incomes that occur from the rehabilitation of the working children of lock-industry.

In the end it is concluded that child labour in Aligarh is a harsh reality.

Unless something is done to help them, they will not come out of a vicious circle of

drudgery and poverty, which has been going on from generation to generation. 216